Study: Burnout is more likely to affect perfectionists

For a number of years, a specialist in mental health and mood problems has been closely examining the phenomena of burnout. The first comprehensive self-help book on burnout has been produced and is based on a sizable study.
The study found that those with a predisposition to be perfectionists are more likely than others to experience burnout because of their own “unrelenting expectations.” Additionally, it highlights some of the burnout warning signs. Describe burnout.

Many individuals are feeling at their wit’s end due to the concerns around pandemic lockdowns, the demands of inflation, and other daily difficulties. Burnout may develop for certain people as a result of the cumulative effects of these extended periods of stress.

The specialists advise that, in contrast to regular fatigue, burnout symptoms include ongoing exhaustion, emotional numbness, and bewilderment at home or at work. However, mental health specialist and principal author Professor Gordon Parker contends that the impact is far greater. Some standard measures used to evaluate burnout place a strong emphasis on work-related stress.

Professor Parker said: “Most people consider burnout to be extreme tiredness, but in our studies we have found that the symptoms are much more wide-ranging.

“People struggling with burnout also suffer from cognitive dysfunction, sometimes known as ‘brain fog’ and disconnection from their friends and family, as well as the more typically-recognised reduced performance in work and tasks around the home.”

Who is most likely to burn out? Burnout is widespread among high achievers in the workplace – but is becoming increasingly more prevalent in personal lives.

Professor Parker said: “Most people think that burnout is a work problem. Actually, we found that stress experienced at work or at home can set the wheels of burnout in motion.

“Our analyses indicated that burnout may also develop as a result of predisposing personality traits, especially perfectionism.

“People with perfectionistic traits are usually excellent workers, as they’re extremely reliable and conscientious. However, they’re also prone to burnout as they set unrealistic and unrelenting standards for their own performance, which are ultimately impossible to live up to.”

What may be done in this regard? The Black Dog Institute, which studies mood disorders and strives to reduce societal stigma around mental illness, was founded by Professor Parker.

He has accumulated decades of therapeutic experience and conducted significant study on burnout to establish the most effective methods for identifying and managing it.
In the recently released book Burnout: A Guide to Identifying Burnout and Pathways to Recovery, this study is described in detail.

Importantly, the book provides a roadmap for navigating out of burnout, including locating sources and employing coping mechanisms to lessen the effects of stress. It includes new evidence-based tools so that readers may determine for themselves whether they have burnout and create a recovery strategy based on their own circumstances.

The chapters guide readers in identifying their personal burnout tendencies and offer strategies for rekindling their passions and fostering resilience.